PlainPill
SupplementLibidoEnergyMood

Maca Root

People mainly take Maca Root for libido, energy, mood. Based on 34 first-hand reports and 3 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #448 of 1,974 overall.

Compare with…Alternatives for libido
28
User score
Mixed
21% positive26% mixed6% negative47% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 40% are positive.

Clinical research
BModerate research base
3
meta-analyses
1
RCTs
36
papers

What Maca Root does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

Libido89% of 19Energy100% of 5Mood67% of 3Anxiety67% of 3
1 more with fewer than 3 reports
Digestion0% of 1
betterno changeworse

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

BModerate research base

At least one meta-analysis, or 5+ randomized controlled trials. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

Drugs Aging · 2010 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Botanical extracts as anti-aging preparations for the skin: a systematic review

Conclusion: In summary, there is some weak evidence to suggest that several botanical extracts may be effective in reducing the appearance of skin aging but no evidence that this effect is enduring. Independent replications with larger, more diverse samples, longer treatment durations and more rigorous study designs are required to validate these preliminary findings.

PubMed 21087067 ↗
BMC Complement Altern Med · 2010 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review

Conclusion: The results of our systematic review provide limited evidence for the effectiveness of maca in improving sexual function. However, the total number of trials, the total sample size, and the average methodological quality of the primary studies were too limited to draw firm conclusions. More rigorous studies are warranted.

PubMed 20691074 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

500 mg2x daily
2-3x week maxas reported
3 gdaily
1900 mgas reported
1600 mg5x daily
2 g+as reported

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

jitteriness ×1anxiety ×1stomach issues ×1panic attacks ×1irritability ×1anhedonia ×1emotional instability ×1crying ×1

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

“Had a morning 500 milligram and then at noon, another. Starting at 1pm felt a rush and had a low level "speed" feeling all day”
Source discussion ↗
“maca root”
Source discussion ↗
“From what I’ve read about maca, it’s great in low quality quantities. It’s not something you want to take regularly (like 2-3x week max) because it’ll further disrupt your hormones.”
Source discussion ↗
“Their ADJB1 is a 96.58% match to Maca root powder.”
Source discussion ↗
“it's a noticeable increase in mood, energy and aggression (in a good way, think testerone). Also, major increase in sex drive”
Source discussion ↗
Top discussions (5)

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User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate